Higher blood-sugar levels, even those well short of diabetes, seem to raise the risk of developing dementia, a major new study finds. Researchers say it suggests a novel way to try to prevent Alzheimer's disease - by keeping glucose at a healthy level. Source

The study, carried out by the National Institute on Aging, shows that there is a "clean pattern" correlating elevated risks of dementia and Alzheimer's diseases and high blood glucose levels. About 5 million people in the US have Alzheimer's and currently there is no medication available to reverse or prevents the effects. Therefore, scientists are looking at diet as a possible preventative tactic. They are also investigating what are safe thresholds of sugar intake and glucose levels, which are probably much lower than what is currently accepted. In general, this study reaffirms that good mental health can be maintained by managing blood sugar levels, along with two other studied factors, lowering cholesterol and keeping blood pressure in a safe range.

Learning to avoid meat took a long time for me to do. Giving up dairy products took even longer. Decreasing and removing most of the sugar from my diet took the longest of all! It is that addictive! I'm glad I did it, though. I should have started sooner. Excess sugar compromises health. It feeds the demons, such as:

Obesity

Diabetes

Heart Disease

Hypertension

Some cancers

Mental Illness

According to Michael Moss in his book, Salt Sugar Fat, most food companies use sugar to engineer processed foods to achieve a 'bliss point' which appeals to consumers so greatly, they'll purchase the product repeatedly. In a can of soda, this may require as many as nine teaspoons of sugar, which suggests that the bliss point and health are inversely correlated... Actively avoiding sugar is a good pursuit. Cook fresh meals at home, make your own desserts and restrict the sugar content, and skip sweetened beverages or dilute them with water if they are a big part of your life. Sugar causes inflammation which is the breeding ground for many illnesses, but it can be controlled with a bit of discipline and effort!